Every school child in Laurens County should see this exhibit within the coming year. Because this -- this display right here in the middle of our County Seat - shows what it means to be an American.
Laurens spent about 4 hours Sunday afternoon putting the best of America's struggle for independence on display, with a Life & Liberty in Laurens County unveiling, and a Carolina Day observance at the Laurens County Museum and the First Baptist Church of Laurens, respectively.
The observances also included the unveiling of a Revolutionary marker at the newly-renovated Laurens County Courthouse; but near 100 degree weather and the threat of a thunderstorm moved that observance inside, at the Museum.
Church participants for the Carolina Day worship service were: John Spike Farr, Rev. Tim Marsh, Rev. Jim H. Pyles, Rev. Terry Richard, Rev. Adair Rogers, Carolyn B. Shortt, Rev. Robert B. Shortt and Rev. Dr. Roland Sigman. The 250th Celebration Chorus provided "The Star-Spangled Banner," Medley of Spirituals, and "Lift Every Voice and Sing." American Legion Post 25 provided the Color Guard.
At 4 p.m., the program featured a bell-ringing by churches and others throughout Laurens County.
The celebration then moved to the Museum where "The Star-Spangled Banner" was presented by the Kingdom Come Quartet, remarks were presented by historian Durant Ashmore, and the DAR monument explanation was presented by Diane Culbertson, SC250 Commission, DAR, and member of Laurens250.
The ribbon-cutting and dessert reception for the American Revolutionary War Exhibit followed at 5 p.m., also in the Magnolia Room, second floor of the Laurens County Museum.
In its entrance lobby, the Museum is featuring an artistic interpretation of the important Revolutionary War sites in Laurens. Also, a traveling exhibit from the SC State Museum -- "Pirates, Privateers & Buccaneers" - will be on display through Sept. 26 in a first-floor room of the Museum.
In addition, Laurens had another milestone on display this past weekend. Friday was the 100th Anniversary of The City of Laurens Capitol Theatre. The program featured a reception and tribute to the Capitol's first feature film, "Charley's Aunt," a history and restoration talk, and a silent film presentation: "The Freshman" accompanied live by award-winning pianist Ethan Uslan, one the nation's premier silent film accompanists.
Clinton celebrates the Nation's 250th Birthday TOMORROW (July 2) with a program and carnival from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 122 E, Main St. parking lot.
Laurens celebrates Freedom Fest South Carolina on Friday (July 3), with featured performers The Brook and the Bluff, throughout the downtown square.
